Algeria is a North African country with a Mediterranean coastline and a Saharan Desert interior. It shares border with Morocco to the west, Mauritania and Mali to the southwest, Niger to the Southeast, Libya to the east and Tunisia to the northeast. Many empires have left legacies here, such as the ancient Roman ruins in seaside Tipaza. Algeria covers an area of 2,381,741 square kilometres, making it the world’s tenth largest nation area. It has a population of about 44.8 million persons and capital with the largest city, Algiers. Algeria is dominated by Muslims, with almost 98% of the population. Its official languages are Arabic and Berber, although French serves as an administrative and education language in some contexts and Algerian Arabic is the main spoken language.
TRENDING FASHION IN ALGERIA
ACCESSORIES IN ALGERIA
There are user friendly and durable Algeria jewelries that gives satisfaction.
TRIBES IN ALGERIA AND THEIR FASHION
The Amazigh or Berber
The Amazigh ethnic group are the oldest inhabitants of North Africa. It dominates almost all Algeria, other groups are part of Amazigh and they speak Berber language. The Amazigh of Algeria are concentrated in five large regions of the country; Kabylia in the north, Aures in the east, Chenoua, a mountainous region on the coast of the west Algier, M’zab in the south, and Tuareg in the Sahara. The ethnic groups in Algeria have similar culture and fashion.
On their heads, men wear wrapped cloth turban, and women cover their hair with scarves and their faces with veils called mandeels. Under their haiks, many Berbers wear ankle-length tunics or loose trousers called chalwar. In the south, Berber women’s clothes are notably colourful and decorative.
The Mozabite
They are members of Berber people and practice Ibadis form of Islam that is distinct from both the Sunni and the Shi’a. The women are closely covered with hijabs allowing only one eye to show. Because of their strict moral code, they are called ‘the puritans of the desert’. The men wear white hats and traditional baggy pants.
The Tuarega
They are colourful Berber tribe, whose male warriors wear blue dresses and indigo-coloured veils, they are believed to roam the Sahara desert and are mostly nomads.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN ALGERIA
There are lots of places to see on your visit to Algeria, especially historical sites. Places like;
Batna – a region in Algeria made up from a continuation of Atlas Mountains and capital of Aurus Massif.
Setif – a region in Algeria founded by the Romans. The roman ruins here are worth taking time to study.
Oran – Oran is the second city in Algeria, it is lively port city with heaps of character and beauty.
Tamanrasset – it is a modern town that has everything expected of a city like restaurant, bank, shops etc
Ghardaia – a part of a five town cluster right on the edge of the Sahara Desert. It is almost a country in its own right with its own dress, religion and social traditions.
El Oued – a city intriguingly nicknamed ‘the city of a thousand domes’. El Oued is an oasis of a city that seem to be an endless with sea sand.
Djanet – It looks almost like Mediterranean town with its white buildings and blue roofs.
Constantine – a natural marvel that has transformed over the years in a stunning spot for tourist.
In Salah – it is named to its famous salty water. The buildings are Sudanese in style and the mosque.
Bejaia – it is situated on Algeria’s Mediterranean coastline and the city’s primary attraction for tourist.
Annaba – the city has a natural port which handles many of the country’s exports but for travelers, the city’s history and culture, especially Hippo Regius is the main attraction.
Algiers – the capital city in Algeria. It offers visitors from the west a stark beautiful contrast and an intriguing glimpse into the past, present and future of Algeria.
Atakor – a reddish-brown landscaped dotted with harsh sheer peaks. Assekrem peak is the highlight of the plateau.
Chrea National Park – one of the smallest national parks of the country and a ski resort located in Blida.
Basilique Saint Augustin – a Roman Catholic basilica and pro-cathedral located in Annaba, Algeria.
MUSIC IN ALGERIA
Algeria music is virtually synonymous with Rai among foreigners; the musical genre has achieved great popularity in France, Spain and other parts of Europe. For several centuries, Algerian music was dominated by styles inherited from Al-Andalus, eventually forming a unique North African twist on these poetic forms.
musicians in Algeria include:
Khaled Hadj Ibrahim
Souad Massi
Art work in Algeria include:
MEALS IN ALGERIA
Most Algerian dishes are centered around bread, meat (lamb, beef or poultry), olive oil, vegetables and fresh herbs.
Rechta – Algeria noodles served with broth.
Dolma – it is made of several vegetables, stuffed with minced meat, cooked with white sauce flavoured with cinnamon.
Mhajeb – the flatbread has a strong flavour of old fashioned, cold-pressed with olive oil, stuff with tomato and onion.
Tajin Zitoun – Algerian dish made with kefta (minced meat, fish or chicken), seasoned with spices.
Qalb el Louz –Ramadan baked semolina almond dessert that few Algerian can resist.
Couscous – it is made up of steamed semolina with meat stew and commonly eaten on Fridays.
Rechta
Dolma
Mhajeb
Tajin Zitoun
Qalb el Louz
Couscous
Chorba Frik – it is a light soup made of tomatoes and frik, eaten as a main course everyday of Ramadan.
Chtitha Batata – it is made of potato and tomatoes stew, very simple and easy to prepare Algerian dish.
Makrout – this a famous Algerian pastry, made up of fried semolina dipped in honey.
Bourek – it is a rich and filling Algerian pastry commonly eaten as appetizer to various main meals.
Harira – made of variety of rich Algerian soups and broth.
Tamina – it is ancient authentic Algerian recipe, prepared to celebrate new born babies.
Chorba Frik
Chtitha Batata
Makrout
Bourek
Harira
Tamina
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN ALGERIA
Algeria has a total land area of 238 million hectares, of which 2.15 million (about 0.9%) are covered by forest. Plantations account for 718,000 ha of the forest cover. Excluding the Sahara, forests cover about 15% in the northern part of the country. The national authorities have launched several initiatives to combat desertification, including the green dam – a green belt to halt the advance of desertification. However, no less than 30 provinces remain threatened by desrtification.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ALGERIA
Due to Algeria geographical position and climate characteristics, it is highly vulnerable to climate change. Research on climate data from 1931 to 1990 in northern Algeria revealed the rise in temperature of 0.5oC would reach an increase of 1oC by 2020. Temperature rise of 2 oC is expected by 2050. Climate change in Algeria have resulted to heat waves, drought, sandstorm and flooding.
GENDER EQUALITY IN ALGERIA
During the Algeria war of Independence, Algerian women fought as equals alongside men. They thus achieved a new sense of their own identity and measure of acceptance from men. The constitution of Algeria guarantees equality between genders. Women can vote and run for political positions.
Some prominent women in Algeria include:
Nouara Saadia – Algerian politician and Minister responsible for family and women.
Khalida Toumi – Algerian politician and served as Minister of communication and culture.
Houda-Imane faraoun – Algerian physicist and material scientist who served as Minister of Information.
Mounia Meslem – Minister of National Solidarity, the Family and Women Affairs in Algeria.
Nouara Saadia
Khalida Toumi
Houda-Imane faraoun
Mounia Meslem
Nouria Benghabrit-Remaoun – an Algerian sociologist and researcher who served as Algerian Minister of Natioanl Education.
Nadia Labibi – Algerian film producer and politician, she also served as Minister of Culture.
Nouria Yamina Zerhouni – Algerian politician who also served as governor of Boumerdes province.
Fatiha Boudiaf – Algerian activist, and wife of a former Algerian President.
Nouria Benghabrit-Remaoun
Nadia Labibi
Nouria Yamina Zerhouni
Fatiha Boudiaf
